Lindley warns walkers after Sunday robbery

The Starkville Police Department is investigating an early Sunday robbery of a female near the same area a female jogger was attacked last week.
SPD Master Sgt. Steve Lyle said the incident was reported at 3:39 a.m. Sunday and occurred at the intersection of University Drive and Old West Point Road near Stromboli’s and the Half Way House. At that same location last week, a female jogger fought off an attack and attempted sexual assault.
Lyle said Sunday’s victim was walking toward downtown with a friend before the robbery occurred. After the companion reached her destination, the 21-year-old victim continued walking alone.
Lyle said a black male approached the victim, produced a gun and her purse, its contents — credit cards, student ID and driver’s license — and cell phone. After the incident, the robber fled the scene toward the Cotton District. The victim went to a nearby apartment complex and called 911.
SPD Chief David Lindley said the public should refrain from walking alone on University Drive during dark hours until the department makes progress in its investigations.
“This is the second attack we have had on females walking on University Drive in as many weeks,” Lindley said. “We are concerned for the safety of young women and men there, and we are urging people not to walk alone in the dark.”
Lindley said SPD is still investigating leads into the first incident but no significant breaks in the case have been made.
Anyone with information on either attacks can call SPD at (662) 323-4131 or the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151.